The Big List of Websites That Pay Writers for Articles, Blog Posts, Essays, and More

One of the hardest parts of being a freelancer is finding steady clientele, especially if you're a niche writer. So I've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of websites and publications that accept and pay for articles, blog posts, essays, and more.

There are tons of websites willing to pay beginning writers for their knowledge and skills - and you don't even need a typewriter. | Source

A Quick Look of The Top Websites That Pay You to Write Online

(click column header to sort results)

Website

Price

Niche

Listverse

$100

Humor and Entertainment

Dorkly

$35 - $75

Humor and Entertainment

Cosmopolitan

$100

Women's Issues

Humor and Entertainment

These sites accept submissions on a variety of topics and are meant to entertain or provide satire. The humor and entertainment niche doesn't usually require a lot of experience, but these sites can be very picky.

1. Listverse

Listverse is a website that specializes in top ten lists that are interesting, obscure, and informative. Some of their most popular topics include secrets, mysteries, and the dark side of man. They accept everything from the most overrated video games to the craziest Nazi conspiracy theories. If you enjoy writing about the weird, wacky, and sometimes downright creepy, Listverse might be the one for you.

How much do they pay? $100 for a list of at least 1,800 words

What should I know before I make a pitch? Listverse is very dedicated to fact-checking, and unsourced posts will be absolutely rejected.

2. Dorkly

Dorkly is a popular website that specializes in well, dorky stuff. Everything from Pokemon conspiracies to cosplay fails reigns on this offbeat website. The rates are incredibly competitive, but they provide an outlet for a really fun niche. They provide opportunities to submit photography as well.

How much do they pay? $35 for single page articles, $75 for multi-page articles

What should I know before I make a pitch? This website is very relaxed, but this niche tends to like unique articles, so try to really think outside of the box.

Women's issues is a popular freelance writing niche and can include fashion, makeup, single motherhood and parenting, and women in business. | Source

Women's Issues

Publications designed for women can offer a very well-paying and fruitful niche market for those with the right voice and experience. You don't have to be a woman to write for women's magazines, but it takes a certain style to find your way in this market.

1. Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan is a big industry name in lifestyle and fashion for college-aged women. Because of that, they're interested in hearing about "a memorable, crazy, hilarious, or touching college experience." On the other hand, their submission page also suggests that you can write about why you don't like college, why you think it's a waste of time and money, etc.

How much do they pay? $100 for an essay of no more than 800 words

What should I know before I make a pitch? The tone should be relatively informal but hold something unique to the reader.

2. LadyQ's

LadyQ's is a website that is dedicating to providing "trusted answers to questions from women around the world." While the articles are informational, most articles are lighthearted, with topics ranging from uplifting stories to maternity advice. They also occasionally accept short stories if the theme explores a woman's issue.

How much will I be paid? $50, but pay may be negotiable for exemplary or unique pieces.

What should I know before making a pitch? Some of the most popular posts are on Korean skincare and cosmetics, so if you are a beauty blogger with this niche this site might be a way to gain recognition.

3. skirt! Magazine

skirt! is another women's publication that accepts essays, blog posts, and even art submissions. Every month has a different theme that ranges from the festive (like their December "Jolly" issue) to the professional and progressive (like this year's Spark issue with a special section on Women at Work.)

How much will I get paid? $200 for essays (between 800 and 1,100 words) and an unlisted amount for blog posts and art

What should I know before I make a pitch? Because it is a magazine, skirt! has strict deadlines that must be met by the first of the upcoming month.

Green and Eco-Friendly

1. Earth Island Journal

Earth Island Journal is an online archive and print publication that specializes in environmental concerns in a greater world context. Popular topics include eco-friendly technology innovations, animal rights and welfare, and cultural survival.

How much do they pay? 25 cents per word for an in-depth feature story that runs about approximately 4,000 words (which can add up to a whopping $1,000) or online reports for a fee of $50 - $100

What should I know before I make a pitch? It is highly recommended to send a query before you send in a story. It's important to ensure your piece has a broad socio-political context and is catering to a well-educated, environmentally-conscious readership. They also prefer "on-the-ground reports from outside North America."

Travel

1. InTheKnowTraveler

InTheKnowTraveler is an online publication that is looking for personal travel experience stories. They have an emphasis on positive tourism and cultural appreciation, so if you 're looking to share your travels with an uplifting, inspirational tone you've found the right site.

How much do they pay? $10 for 500+ word pieces

What should I know before I make a pitch? InTheKnowTraveler is a travel puts an emphasis on personal experience. Avoid using "you" like you're trying to sell your adventure, instead write about it objectively like you're talking to a friend.

The technology market is a competitive niche with the compensation to match if you have the knowledge and experience to back up your writing skills. | Source

Technology

Technology Information is a growing and well-paid market with a large number of blogs willing to pay good money for expert advice. These blogs and websites can be difficult to find, but look no further!

1. Techopedia

Techopedia is a site dedicated to further the education of IT professionals and tech-savvy laymen. They offer webinars, an online dictionary, and an active blog. They accept blog posts on a variety of topics related to information technology.

How much do they pay? Negotiable; the standard rate for 600 - 1,200 words runs for $50 - $100

What should I know before I make a pitch? The tone should be relaxed but don't be afraid to use industry jargon. Your audience is industry professionals and looking to keep up with the latest advances. Don't be afraid to read a few other posts before submitting your pitch.

2. Layout by Flywheel

If you're interested in sharing your knowledge of the online blogging platform WordPress, Layout by Flywheel might be right for you. Popular topics are JavaScript tips and tricks, animation and video gallery help, and overall user interfaces support. What makes Layout relatively unique is that you have two options when pitching: either select a topic from their recommended list or come up with your own.

How much do they pay? $50 - $150 depending on the length and complexity of the article

What should I know before I make a pitch? Layout has been known to be stringent on their deadlines, so be (extra) careful not to bite off more than you can chew.

3. SQLServerCentral.com

SQLServerCentral.com is an instructional website that aims to educate its readers on Structured Query Language, which is a programming language designed for data management systems. They only pay for articles, but they also syndicate successful blog posts if you're looking to gain more traffic on a home blog.

How much do they pay? $50 for an unspecified length that is rich and depth and clarity

What should I know before I make a pitch? SQLServerCentral.com is a popular website for a very niche topic, so this may be an important step in their career. If your article is successful and published in their newsletter, your content may be read by up to 750,000 people.

4. TutorialBoard

TutorialBoard is a general tech and gaming website that is currently seeking tutorials on popular and industry-standard computer graphics software, such as Adobe PhotoShop or Autodesk Maya.

How much do they pay? $150 per tutorial

What should I know before I make a pitch? Original or properly sourced images are required when submitting a piece.

5. 5BestThings

While primarily a general entertainment website, 5BestThings pays handsomely for technology reviews. They require their writers to "have expert, up-to-date knowledge about the topic and/or products."

How much do they pay? $15 - $35 for small lists of technology reviews, and up to $130 for a list of in-depth product reviews

What should I know before making a pitch? SEO is especially important in writing for 5BestThings, so if you're not already an expert it would be a good idea to brush up before submitting an article.

Have you ever written for any of these websites?

Politics and Religion

1. Secular Pro-Life

Secular Pro-Life is a popular niche blog that focuses on issues relating to the pro-life movement without advocating or any particular religious affiliation. The articles should be friendly and all facts and statistics should be particularly well-researched.

How much will I be paid? $25 per submission (an average post is five paragraphs long)

What should I know before I make a pitch? Secular Pro-Life adds that while extra media "is not required, preference will be given to posts that come with eye-catching photos, charts, or other graphics to help illustrate the author's points and capture the readers' imaginations"

Source

Parenting

1. JustParents

JustParents is a UK-based website that aims to "inform and engage users who are seeking information on a parenting or pregnancy topic in an engaging, friendly but knowledgeable way." Their audience is looking for advice that sounds like it was from an experienced friend. JustParents accepts both well-researched, informational articles and opinion pieces.

How much will I be paid? $50 (or £40 for British writers) for 700-1,500 word length articles

What should I know before I submit a pitch? Due to the high volume of pitches JustParents receive, you should make sure you clearly explain your angle along with a brief outline and concise introduction. It is also important to write in British, not American English and avoid cultural references that would be missed on their audience.

Has this list helped you find a new gig? Have you written for any of these websites before? Let me know in the comment section below!